W6R3 - a blackbird and a woodpecker

[JoP61]

Very nervous about this one. Up early muttering "take it slowly.."

First 5 minutes feels quite tough - how am I going to do 25?? Where's Sarah, has the app stopped...no...she just said I've done 12.5 minutes! Can I get to the end? Steely Dan are singing "Slow down I'll tell you when, I may never walk again". Made me laugh a bit hysterically.

Suddenly aware of the world beyond my legs and breathing - a blackbird singing the most fantastic morning song - keeps me going.

Nearly done, Sarah says 1 minute to go, and a woodpecker rat-tat-tats, like a drum roll. So I did what she said and speeded up for the last minute. And she told me I'm officially a runner! Grinning stupidly on my way home.

Can't describe how good I feel - thanks to this programme and you lot!😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[AnnieW55]

Just brilliant! It's what it's all about (mostly)😀👏

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you! I'm buzzing! 👍

[MrsB1962]

Oh congratulations Jo - what an achievement! What a fantastic start to a beautiful day - I bet you feel on top of the world! I'm trying the same run later, so you have inspired me! Thank you and enjoy your rest time!

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to MrsB1962]

Thank you so much! I am queen of the world at this precise moment! There seem to be lots of us doing Week 6 at the moment - really helps to think of us all progressing together. Best of luck today! 💪👍

[yellow46fan]

Good on you, nice post

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to yellow46fan]

Thank you! Had to share a bit of the joy! Happy running. 😀

[Girlyengland Graduate]

Well done, I am also week 6 and will be attempting the 25 on Monday! Enjoy your Friday 💪👟🎉

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Girlyengland]

Thanks - there's a whole gang of us doing Week 6 at the moment. Best of luck on Monday! 👍😀

[Loudrury Graduate in reply to Girlyengland]

Good luck - I'm due to do it on Sunday- bit nervous and secretly over excited!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hi there runner!

Go you..great run and great post... head onwards into he lovely longer relaxed runs

Those newly found running legs are going to show you what they can do now

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hey Oldfloss

Can't imagine anyone calling me "runner" in January before I started this! Thank you as always for your encouragement. Doing 25 minutes was a real sign to myself that I should be able to keep up with the longer runs.

Not sure if I should be looking at my speed at all? Am I supposed to speed up during Week 7, for example, when it will be another three 25 minute runs? Or is it about building stamina and running legs? I know I can run faster than I did today, but I kept the pace slower to ensure I completed the run. Any comments/advice are gladly received, as always!

I hope your return from the IC continues to go well. 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JoP61]

Stamina and legs at this stage

Time for speed and distance comes later This is just the beginning

I am doing well thank you... I know I can go faster too... but.. I would like to get back to where I want to be safely and having had fun again

Well done you

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks - I thought it would be about building foundations rather than speed and split times, etc. I realise I am just taking baby steps in the running world, if that makes any sense. And I really don't want to get injured at this stage!

Glad to hear that things are progressing well. 👍

[Seasidepanda Graduate]

I failed at that run today...was my first try down at my beach, just couldn’t do it though I might it go half way! Didn’t help that the wind was against me when I turned around!!

But well done you, it’s definitely a challenge!!

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Hey Seasidepanda - thank you so much, and sorry to hear that it didn't go as well as you wanted. I can remember when I was struggling earlier in the programme and I felt bad. However, sounds like the elements were against you. Also, I don't think the "f" word is allowed or recognised here - you went out and ran, which is fantastic. When I couldn't complete the runs I treated them as practice runs, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more of those!

You're right, this run is a challenge, and I had to slow right down to complete it. I will also admit that I avoided any significant uphill bits, which led to me running backwards and forwards on the flat bits. So I made it as easy as possible for myself.

Best of luck with your next run. We will do this together! 👍🙂

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Also I am very jealous that you get to run by the sea - that is my dream! xxx

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to JoP61]

I was looking forwards to it, but I didn’t like it! Apart from the wind there were loads of speedy, serious expert type runners down there!!

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Yes I know what you mean - they can be a bit off-putting! I guess we have to just concentrate on our own running and not bother about the ones running like gazelles. Good luck with the next run! x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Please..no 'f' words Blip.. practice... run by the sea And.. the wind is always in your face... always